Best time to visit Ningaloo Reef

You’re guaranteed to see sea life anytime in Ningaloo

The best time to visit Ningaloo Reef largely depends on the animals you wish to see, however, the weather is generally warm and sunny year-round.

Turtle nesting season typically runs from late spring to early autumn, while the whale sharks are found around the reef from March to August. Manta rays are present all year, but there are more of them (and they're more active) between May and November.

Visit Ningaloo Reef in winter (June to August) to see migrating humpback whales, who sometimes stick around until late October.

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Spring

December to February

March to May

June to August

September to November

When to visit

Researchers photographing a huge whale shark in the waters of Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
When to see whale sharks

Every year, hundreds of whale sharks migrate to Ningaloo Reef to feed on plankton and krill following coral spawning in March and April. The best time to dive with these gentle giants is between April and July, but the season can sometimes stretch into August and September.

Humpback whale breaching the water of the coast of Western Australia on a bight sunny day
When to see humpback whales

Thousands of humpback whales arrive in June when they migrate north from the Antarctic to mate and birth their calves in the reef's warm waters. Humpback season typically lasts into October, and there are plenty of opportunities to spot the whales playing and breaching on a boat or swim tour.

A green sea turtle swims between fish and over coral in Ningaloo Reef
When to see turtles

Turtle nesting season in Ningaloo is from November to March, but February and March see the greatest number of hatchlings. During this time, three of the world's marine turtle species: green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest and lay eggs. After around 60 days of incubation, the turtle hatchlings emerge from the sand and scuttle themselves down to the sea.

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